Ex-Cult

With three well-received albums already out in 2012 (Twins, Slaughterhouse, and Hair), Ty Segall has been on a roll as of late. The songwriter and DIY mastermind recently chalked up yet another victory as producer for his frequent touring partners, Ex-Cult. On their self-titled debut album, this Memphian five-piece channels the neurosis of 1970s punk with the speed and vigor of a California thrash band. Quick, abrasive tracks like “M.P.D.” and “Day to Day” recall Wire’s Pink Flag, while the more complete musical thoughts (“Shade of Red,” “Knives on Both Sides”) take their cues from an early Magazine. Given the album’s kinship to Ceremony’s latest effort, Zoo, and its sometimes-channeling of surf-punk bands like FIDLAR and Pangea, one might almost mistake Ex-Cult for natives of our fair California. Either way, they are certainly contenders for one of the most interesting punk releases of the year, and hopefully they will come visit soon.